South Edmonton Location
Hand and wrist rehabilitation Edmonton
Small joints, big consequences: getting grip, dexterity and confidence back after injury, surgery or overuse.
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What Does Hand and Wrist Rehabilitation Edmonton Cover?
Hands are used for almost everything, so even a small injury is disruptive and stiffness sets in quickly. Hand and wrist rehabilitation at Vertex covers recovery after fractures, tendon and ligament injuries and surgery, and the treatment of overuse and degenerative problems: carpal tunnel syndrome, De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, trigger finger, thumb base arthritis, TFCC injuries and wrist sprains. The work is detailed — individual joints, individual tendons — and always tied to the tasks you need your hands for.
Hand and Wrist Rehabilitation After Injury or Surgery
Following a wrist or hand fracture, tendon repair, carpal tunnel release or other surgery, rehabilitation starts as soon as the surgeon allows movement. Early goals are controlling swelling, protecting the repair and restoring safe range; later goals are grip strength, dexterity and return to work, sport or instrument.
Bring any protocol from your surgeon. The physiotherapist works within it and communicates with the surgical team where needed.
Hand and Wrist Rehabilitation for Overuse and Degenerative Problems
See the individual condition pages for more detail on each.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome: nerve gliding, splinting advice, workstation and activity changes, and knowing when surgical referral is appropriate
- De Quervain’s and other tendon problems: load management, splinting, graded strengthening
- Trigger finger: splinting and tendon gliding; referral for injection where needed
- Thumb base arthritis: joint protection, splints, strengthening of the muscles that stabilise the thumb
- Wrist sprains and TFCC injuries: staged loading and stability work
Splints, Tools and Tasks in Hand and Wrist Rehabilitation
Off-the-shelf splints and braces are fitted and adjusted where they help; the physiotherapist will tell you honestly when one is worth buying and when it is not. Activity modification — how you grip a tool, hold a phone or type — is often the change that makes the difference.
For musicians, tradespeople and anyone whose work depends on fine hand function, rehabilitation is built around those specific demands.
Questions People Ask About Hand and Wrist Rehabilitation
How soon after hand surgery should I start?
As soon as the surgeon clears movement, which is often within days for some procedures and a few weeks for tendon repairs. Early, protected movement prevents the stiffness that is hardest to reverse later.
Do I need a certified hand therapist?
Complex tendon and nerve repairs sometimes need a certified hand therapist, and the physiotherapist will say so and refer you. Most fractures, sprains and overuse problems are well managed here.
Will a splint fix carpal tunnel?
A night splint reduces symptoms for many people with mild to moderate carpal tunnel, particularly night-time numbness. It is one part of the plan, alongside nerve gliding and changes to the activities that provoke it. Severe or progressing cases are referred for surgical opinion.
Why is my hand still stiff months after the cast?
Small joints stiffen fast and loosen slowly, and swelling that lingers in the hand makes it worse. Stiffness at this stage still responds to treatment, though it takes consistent daily work.
Is hand rehabilitation covered by benefits?
Yes, as physiotherapy. If the injury was at work or in a car accident, WCB or Section B usually covers it. No referral is needed for extended health plans.
Can you make a custom splint?
The clinic fits and adjusts off-the-shelf splints. Custom thermoplastic splints are arranged through a hand therapy service when a case needs one.
Book an assessment
Vertex Physiotherapy is at 6958 76 Ave NW #205, Edmonton, AB T6B 2R2. Call (825) 525-2852 or book online. No referral is needed. Direct billing to most extended health plans, WCB and Section B claims.